The future of California’s cardrooms once again depends on how state courts interpret gaming law
Cardrooms across California have launched a legal challenge against new state regulations that could limit the types of table games they are allowed to offer. The lawsuits were filed in San Francisco Superior Court by the California Gaming Association along with several cardrooms and businesses that work with them.
The dispute centers on two proposed rules announced by Rob Bonta, the state’s attorney general. One rule would restrict the blackjack-style games commonly played in cardrooms, while another would change how third-party proposition player companies operate within those venues.
These third-party firms help cardrooms run games that resemble traditional casino table games. In California, cardrooms are not allowed to act as the house in banked games. Instead, outside companies rotate into the dealer position to keep the games structured as player-versus-player contests.
The proposed regulations would make major adjustments to that system. One change would eliminate busting rules tied to games that reach 21, effectively banning traditional blackjack-style formats. Cardrooms would also be barred from using names that reference blackjack or the number 21.
Another regulation would require the dealer or “bank” role at a table to rotate among players more frequently. If that rotation does not happen according to the new schedule, the game would have to end.
Cardroom operators argue the changes could damage local economies. Many cities, including Commerce, rely heavily on casino revenue to support public services such as parks, safety programs, and libraries.
Industry representatives say the regulations could lead to job losses and significant drops in city funding. Some local governments have already begun discussing emergency measures to offset potential revenue declines.
The fight also ties into a long-running dispute between cardrooms and Native American gaming tribes. Tribal casinos hold exclusive rights to certain banked games in the Golden State, and they have pushed regulators and courts to limit similar offerings at cardrooms.
